Press Release

Houston, TX – Evelyn Rubenstein JCC of Houston concludes Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre with three of the most influential ambassadors of Tap Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 8:00 p.m.

Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Derick K. Grant, and Jason Samuels Smith will be joined by drummer and arranger, Allison Miller, as they come together in Excerpts from Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards And Still You Must Swing. The show that captures the heart and legacy of tap dance and honors the influence of jazz roots on this outstanding art form. And Still You Must Swing originally premiered at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival on July 6, 2016. It was named one of the best in dance for 2016 by the New York Times.

“As the hoofer trade turns in the spotlight, each yields songs from from the ground, scraping and stroking and piercing the floor in ways that confound the eye and ear with their intimacy.” – New York Times.

Jason Samuels Smith’s Going the Miles takes a step further than simply tributing Mr. Davis, one of the world’s greatest American jazz artists who was at the forefront of many of its most important movements. Jason Samuels Smith in collaboration with Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Derick K. Grant and the musicians, engage on this musical odyssey; celebrating the diversity of contributions that our respective culture and collective consciousness continue to make through two of the world’s most thriving American art forms. Each musician in his or her own right, this work emphasizes interplay insprired by three of Miles’ iconic tunes; highlighting just why “improvisation” is still the highest expression of these forms. Going the Miles premiered at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse on April 8, 2016 as part of E-Moves 17.

“Jason Samuels Smith’s Going the Miles deserves to enter venerable Harlem Stage history,” said Eva Yaa Asantewaa, dance writer. “You’ll never go wrong featuring tap champs like Samuels Smith, Derick K. Grant and Dormeshia Sumbry- Edwards. But the combination of that triple-threat sonic powerhouse with the intimacy of the Gatehouse was mindblowing.”

For this performance, there will be a special guest appearance by Houston’s own tap phenom, Tony Merriwether whose credits include international and domestic tours with Emmy and Tony award winning performers.

“We are very honored to present this outstanding program at Dance Month which will give the audience insight into this American art form,” said Maxine Silberstein, Dance Director at the J.

There will be a closing night celebration following the concert. Dance Month is celebrating 37 seasons of showcasing prominent choreographers, master teachers, companies and dancers. All dance performances take place in the Kaplan Theatre at the J. Master classes are in the J’s dance studio. See the compete brochure and purchase tickets at www.erjcchouston.org/dancemonth. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.